Holly Pye 12/13/24 Holly Pye 12/13/24

Why every kayaker should use GPS to track their sessions

For kayakers, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, GPS tracking each session using the Paddle Logger app on your iPhone or Apple Watch can be transformative. If you don’t already track your routes, the ability to monitor distance, speed, pace, and heart rate brings new insights to your paddling experience, enhancing enjoyment, safety, and performance. GPS tracking has become an invaluable tool for many kayakers, helping them explore further, paddle smarter, and gain insights into their progress on the water.

Bill Dawes 12/6/24 Bill Dawes 12/6/24

What to do when things go wrong. GAGA!

What to do when things go wrong

In previous articles we looked at the three main categories of unexpected occurrences which you might encounter while out on your paddleboard. Namely; issues with your equipment, your environment, or your wellness. Other than a few really extreme situations (such as a cardiac arrest or being run over by a speedboat), the vast majority of unexpected occurrences are not in themselves life-threatening. It is how you deal with them that will determine how they play out - which could be anywhere on a spectrum from minor inconvenience through to full blown emergency.

This is our third set of excerpts from the series of SUP SAFETY books written by Bill Dawes, National Safety Officer for stand up paddleboarding in New Zealand.

David Walker 11/11/24 David Walker 11/11/24

Spot Guide: North East England

Continuing our series with PaddleUK. Here are a mix of routes to check out next time you are in the NE of England. We asked Anna Little, to offer some suggestions. From river cruising to some advanced ocean paddling, this guide has it all whether you are local or just visiting. Keep an eye out for awesome coastal paddle events, the Big Dippa and Beadnell Belta too! For a range of abilities as always make sure to check the conditions before you go! Have fun!

Bill Dawes 11/1/24 Bill Dawes 11/1/24

What could go wrong out on the water?

What Could Possibly Go Wrong?

You’ve done your planning as we discussed in the previous blog, you’ve carefully checked the conditions and you’ve invested in the best safety equipment. Yet things still can - and do - go wrong. This is where the third cornerstone of paddleboarding safety comes into play: knowing how to deal with a situation when things don’t go according to plan.

There are two quite distinct aspects to dealing with problems:

Knowing what to do.
Doing it.

This is our second set of excerpts from the series of SUP SAFETY books written by Bill Dawes, National Safety Officer for stand up paddleboarding in New Zealand.

Guest User 10/4/24 Guest User 10/4/24

Do you know what to do when things don’t go to plan?

Being safe on your paddleboard essentially comes down to two things:

1: Reducing the risks of something going wrong. In other words, proper planning and preparation, and knowledge/understanding of your environment.

2: Coping better if something does happen. In other words, knowing what to do when things go wrong, and understanding your safety equipment.

Over the next few regular blog articles we’re going to be focussing on the second of these; a topic which doesn’t get anywhere near enough coverage in safety discussion. However, to start the discussion off, we’re going to consider planning; one of the four cornerstones of paddleboarding safety [these four cornerstones are covered in much more detail in the SUP SAFETY books]. Because actually, proper planning is always the first link in the chain. The reason why things go wrong when you’re out there on the water very often comes back to a failure at the planning stage.

David Walker 8/29/24 David Walker 8/29/24

How to Start Your Day Right: The Benefits of Early Morning Paddle Sessions

There's something magical about being on the water at sunrise. As the world wakes up, the stillness and serenity of the early morning offer a unique paddling experience that sets the tone for the rest of the day. Whether you're a seasoned paddler or just starting out, incorporating early morning paddle sessions into your routine can transform your fitness, mental well-being, and overall lifestyle.

David Walker 5/24/24 David Walker 5/24/24

Spot Guide: South West UK

PaddleUK asked us to put together some Spot Guides for the season. Here are some of the best routes in the South West. While there is plenty of coastline, estuary and river to explore on your SUP or Kayak. These 5 offer a great starter for a range of abilities. Make sure to check the conditions before you go! Have fun!

David Walker 4/22/24 David Walker 4/22/24

Earth Day: Let’s Make a Difference

April 22 is Earth Day. A day for celebrating our successes so far in working to protect our planet, and raising awareness of the need to conserve the earth’s natural resources for future generations.

As Earth Day approaches, it serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our planet. For those who find happiness in the ocean, just like we do at Paddle Logger, Earth Day holds particular significance. We are uniquely positioned to make a positive impact on the health of our oceans and coastlines. From reducing plastic pollution to advocating for marine conservation, there are numerous ways in which ocean lovers can contribute to the sustainability of our blue planet.

Holly Pye 3/25/24 Holly Pye 3/25/24

Paddlers for the planet

As paddlers, we share a close connection with the natural world. Moving through the water is what we love to do, but we also have a responsibility to protect the fragile ecosystems that bring us so much joy. Here are a few ways you can harness your passion for the water to support conservation strategies.